[Source: Fiji Rugby]
The Fijiana has created a major upset at the Olympic Games in Tokyo after beating defending champions Australia 14-12 in the quarterfinal.
It’s a historical moment for the Fijiana as they’re now in contention for a medal.
The side will meet New Zealand in the semifinal today at 2pm.
[Source: Fiji Rugby]
Aloesi Nakoci struck first after two minutes following some patient buildup up for a 7-nil lead.
Pressure rugby was what the national side did and never gave the Olympic gold medalists any chance even at the breakdown.
Fiji went to a 14-nil lead when Ana Maria Naimasi sliced through the Australian defense to dot down between the sticks.
[Source: Fiji Rugby]
However, the Fijiana was reduced to six players when Vasiti Solikoviti was sent off for a high tackle.
As a result Australia scored a questionable try with a clear forward pass missed by the referee.
With a 14-5 lead, Fiji up the tempo in the second spell and won successive penalties but didn’t want to kick for touch as their confidence built.
[Source: Fiji Rugby]
Australia realizing that time was not on their side scored a try with 40 seconds remaining.
From the restart, the Fijiana held on to the ball before they were awarded a penalty and the side took a tap before kicking it out.
And then there were four…
The race for @Olympics gold is heating up 🔥#HowWeSevens | #Rugby | #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/zWN7tTKYAK
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) July 30, 2021